Flavigny-sur-Ozerain in Burgundy is a picturesque medieval village surrounded by bucolic countryside, vineyards and plush inexperienced hillsides. And it’s a spot the place the streets are crammed with the scent of anise – Chantille de Lindcourt finds out why…
Flavigny within the coronary heart of Auxois, Cote d’Or is classed as one of the lovely villages in France (Plus Beaux Villages de France). It has an extended historical past linked to gastronomy, as a result of it’s right here, on this small, perched village of 300 inhabitants, that the well-known “Anis de Flavigny” sweets have been made for a number of centuries.
The way it all started
In 52 BC, Alesia in Burgundy was the seat of an ideal battle between the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar and the leaders of the Gauls, Vercingetorix. A sure Flavinius was then head of the Roman camp which was established shut by. And after the battle, given the land in gratitude for his bravery, he gave it the identify Flaviniacum. Later it turned Flavigny-sur-Ozerain.
Legend has it that the Roman conquerors used anise seeds for abdomen issues and the follow unfold.
Within the 9th century, the monks at Flavigny Benedictine Abbey started making small anise dragees – a type of sugar-coated confectionary after, Charlemagne, King of the Franks ordered all monasteries to develop anis for medicinal functions in 812. Why the monks in Flavigny coated the anis pastilles in sugar, nobody is aware of.
Anise sweets are nonetheless made within the city utilizing inexperienced anise seeds, coated in flavoured sugar. Anise de Flavigny use a recipe, which after being refined over the centuries, has remained unchanged since 1591 which gaining the corporate a “Residing Heritage Firm” award. And if you go to the city, a tour of the manufacturing workshop to find its secrets and techniques plus a cease at their sweetshop, filled with vibrant fairly packing containers of anis sweets, is an absolute should.
However this little Burgundy gem has lots extra to tempt you to go to.
Throughout the French Revolution, the monks abandoned the abbey, which was then bought as a public property and for essentially the most half, destroyed. The Carolingian (750-887) crypt is although well-preserved, and you’ll go to it at no cost. Since 1591, the abbey has been occupied by the Anis de Flavigny manufacturing unit. Lengthy standard in France, they had been even loved by King Louis XIV who saved some in his pocket.
What to see in Flavigny-sur-Ozerain?
Take a stroll via the village and admire the structure and historic buildings. Half-timbered homes give an air of timelessness and followers of the movie Chocolat, with Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche, will recognise the gorgeous cobbled streets – because it’s right here that the filming befell.
Don’t miss a go to to the 13th century Gothic church of Saint Genest with its intricately carved sixteenth century stalls. The constructing has housed the relics of Saint Regina since 1793 after they had been faraway from the abbey the place that they had been saved for greater than 1000 years.
Between the 12th and 14th centuries, the city was fortified with an ideal wall. The gates are nonetheless in place: Porte du Val, the Porte du Bourg, the Porte de Barme, the Poterne and the Tour du Guet are value searching for out.
Flavigny-sur-Ozerain was additionally identified famend for its wool manufacturing, weaving, hemp, tin, glass and pottery manufacturing. The brown wool of the Burel sheep was used to make the monks’ brown robes. Within the village right now, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the traditional homes of drapers, millers, tanners and winegrowers.
What to see and do close to Flavigny
For mountaineering lovers, a straightforward strolling path “from Anis to the Winery” takes you on a loop of about 8km across the village with nice views (2h30).
About 10km away, Muséoparc Alesia presents the well-known battle between Vercingetorix and Caesar.
And a bit of additional on, the Chateau de Bussy-Rabutin is a powerful Renaissance citadel with massive French gardens.
Chantille de Lincourt is a author and photographer who specialises in small villages and French heritage. Discover out extra on her weblog www.villagesetpatrimoine.fr
